The Whitney Plantation
Many critics have written of the importance of constructing counter memories that challenge dominant representations of the past. The Whitney Plantation, located a short drive away from Houmas House, takes us behind the big house. Opened in 2014, it is described on its websites as "a site of memory and consciousness." The Whitney Plantation was much smaller than Houmas: the number of slaves at Whitney, then called the Habitation Haydel, was 61 in 1819. As you watch this video, think about what the present owner of the plantation means by the "it."
Take a "tour" of the Whitney Plantation by visiting its website. >>Click here<<
Activity: Is this website focused on marketing, education, or both? Does it convey any of the emotional truth of slavery that Morrison explores in her novel? Are there any connections you see to the content or themes of the novel? Post a paragraph in the forum outlining your thoughts.
Alternative activity for those who have not read the book: What image or piece of information on the website spoke to you most directly about the life of slaves on the plantation, and why?
Respond to another post if you would like.